The total surpassed the Cruise Lines International Association’s (Clia) original prediction of 24.2 million passengers for last year.

Now, the association has put this year’s passenger forecast at 25.8 million, based on the new vessel launch schedule and expected regional deployment.

The Caribbean was the top cruise destination with a 35% share followed by the Mediterranean at 18.3%. The rest of Europe attracted 11.1% of consumers, ahead of Asia with 9.2%.

Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific saw 6.1% of cruisers, beating Alaska at 4.2% and South America at 2.5%.

The growth in passenger numbers was largely driven by the increased capacity in the Asian market which represented a 38% increase on 2015 and ensured it remained top of the emerging markets.

Tin 2016 the Clia fleet comprised of 458 ships following the arrival of nine new ocean ships and 17 river vessels, increasing passenger capacity by 28,000.

Clia president and chief executive Cindy D’Aoust said: “One of the many reasons that the cruise industry continues to thrive is because of the personalisation it is able to offer to its guests from around the world.

“Never before have I been a part of or seen an industry that is so good at listening and reacting to what its customers want, and this is why we are going to see our industry continue to grow.”